Some authors appear to use evidence-based practice and evidence-informed practice interchangeably [e.g., 1] but other authors identify significant difference [2-5]. The main difference is in the approach to evidence. Webber & Carr [4] suggest that, in evidence-informed practice:

Evidence is conceptualised as a more inclusive and non-hierarchical notion than proponents of evidence-based practice understand it. It equally values practice wisdom, tacit knowledge and all forms of knowing. It is thereby viewed as integrative, viewing practice and research less in opposition but more in support of one another. In particular, evidence-informed practice respects the role of practice research. (p. 19)

Rather than the hierarchy of evidence, Epstein [3] proposes a Wheel of evidence (see Figure 1) in which “all forms of research and information-gathering and interpretations would be critically assessed but equally valued” (p. 225).

Figure 1: Wheel of evidence [3]

There can also be greater emphasis on practitioner wisdom and lived experience. Nevo and Slonim-Nevo [5] suggest that:

Research findings should not override, or take precedence over, clinical experience and clients’ wishes, values and knowledge. Rather, empirical evidence is better regarded as one component in the mutual and constantly changing journey of client and practitioner. Under the [evidence-informed practice] model, there is no need for the five-steps procedure recommended by [evidence-based practice] or any other fixed protocol. Rather, a wide range of information sources, empirical findings, case studies, clinical narratives and experiences are to be used in a creative and discriminating way throughout the intervention process. (p. 1178)

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References

Gambrill, E. (2010). Evidence-Informed Practice: Antidote to Propaganda in the Helping Professions? Research on Social Work Practice, 20(3), 302-320. doi: 10.1177/1049731509347879

Epstein, I. (2009). Promoting Harmony Where There Is Commonly Conflict: Evidence-Informed Practice as an Integrative Strategy. Social Work in Health Care, 48(3), 216-231. doi: 10.1080/00981380802589845 Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00981380802589845

2 Responses to What is evidence-informed practice?

Hi Graeme,
I appreciate your discerning comments in the evidence informed practice space. Perhaps it is the practice processes that drive the outcomes? The practice principles, qualities of relationship, collaborative intentions that are more important than particular techniques or modalities? How can we measure the attainment of those things?

Hi Michael,
Thanks for that. I totally agree that practice makes a huge (the biggest?) difference and we need to get better at identifying what makes successful practitioners. If we have a great program run by unskilled practitioners, it’s unlikely to work. But if we have a poor program run with really skillful practitioners, they are likely to adapt it so that it works.
That’s why I think it is so important that we don’t just look at evidence-based programs but also evidence-based practice. It’s probably harder to research practice than programs, and a wider range of methodologies are needed, but I think it is important.
Graeme

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Families, community engagement and environmental sustainability – for parents, students, practitioners and anyone who wants to make a difference. By Graeme Stuart from the Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle. The views are my own.